MCL Sanctions Rs 9.97 Crore for Construction of Town Hall in Patnagarh
CSR Initiative Aims to Strengthen Civic Infrastructure and Foster Community Development in Balangir
Bhubaneswar : Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), a major subsidiary of Coal India Limited, has approved financial assistance of Rs 9.97 crore for the construction of a modern Town Hall at Patnagarh in Odisha’s Balangir district. The initiative, taken under MCL’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, is part of the company’s continued commitment to improving civic infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life in its operational regions.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the project was signed in the presence of Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo. The agreement was formalised between Sanjay Kumar Jha, Director (Technical) of MCL, and Gaurav Shivaji Isalwar, IAS, Collector and District Magistrate of Balangir.
According to officials, the Town Hall will be built near the Panchayat Samiti Office in Patnagarh. Designed to accommodate around 300 people, it will serve as a multipurpose venue for public meetings, cultural programmes, seminars, and official events. The facility aims to provide a well-equipped and accessible space for the local community, promoting social cohesion and cultural expression.
The upcoming infrastructure is expected to become a focal point for civic engagement and community development in Patnagarh. The Town Hall will not only address the long-standing demand for a public event space but also create opportunities for local artisans, youth groups, and cultural organisations to showcase their work and host events.
MCL’s support for this project reflects its sustained efforts toward inclusive development beyond mining operations. The company has consistently invested in CSR initiatives focusing on education, healthcare, skill development, and infrastructure improvement in various districts of Odisha, particularly in areas close to its coalfields.
Officials from MCL stated that the company’s CSR programmes are designed to ensure that local communities benefit from industrial development. By funding projects such as roads, schools, hospitals, and community centres, MCL seeks to create a positive socio-economic impact and align with the government’s vision of balanced regional growth.
In recent years, MCL has undertaken several developmental initiatives under its CSR framework, including the establishment of modern healthcare facilities, the promotion of digital education in rural schools, and the improvement of drinking water and sanitation infrastructure. The construction of the Patnagarh Town Hall is another milestone in this ongoing journey toward community upliftment.
Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo appreciated MCL’s continued partnership with the Odisha government in driving local development and improving civic amenities in Balangir district. He noted that such collaborative efforts between public enterprises and local administrations are instrumental in building stronger, more self-reliant communities.
With this initiative, MCL has once again demonstrated its commitment to social responsibility and sustainable community development. The company’s proactive CSR engagement in Odisha continues to strengthen its reputation not only as a leader in coal production but also as a key contributor to the state’s socio-economic progress.
